Road 4 Blocked as Jerusalem Faction Protest Over Military Draft Intensifies

A main section of Route 4 was blocked to traffic in both directions between the Hashiv'a Interchange and the Mesubim Interchange, as the Jerusalem Faction protests reached a new peak in intensity. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets after the arrest of 17 yeshiva students who were transferred to military prison, and managed to paralyze one of the central traffic arteries in central Israel.

Drivers using the critical route are facing severe disruptions, with traffic brought to a complete standstill in both directions. The unusual congestion is also spilling over into internal roads and auxiliary traffic routes in the Gush Dan area, creating an unprecedented transportation situation.

Police: "We will not allow additional blockages"

Large police forces are deployed in the area and are working to clear the protesters from the road. Cmdr. Amir Gibli, head of the National Traffic Police, said that "the Traffic Division of the Israel Police is prepared with reinforced forces and a broad deployment, in light of the expected numerous large events and protests today in the central region".

Gibli added that "the Israel Police will allow the right to protest to be exercised, but will not permit a breach of public order, harm to police officers, or endangerment of road users". Police called on drivers in Gush Dan to "avoid, as much as possible, reaching intercity roads and to postpone non-urgent trips to another time".

Background: 17 yeshiva students were transferred to military prison

The protests broke out after the police decision to hand over 17 yeshiva students, arrested in protests outside the home of Justice Noam Sohlberg, to military prison. According to a report by Kikar HaShabbat, the transfer to military prison is seen within the faction as a "crossing of a red line" and a declaration of "a severe escalation in the obsessive persecution being carried out by state authorities against Torah students".

In a statement issued by the Jerusalem Faction, it said: "Tomorrow we will all go out to a determined and uncompromising struggle for the honor of the Torah and those who study it, with a clear cry that will be heard throughout the country". Faction officials said the transfers are expected to significantly intensify the protest and expand the centers of demonstrations across the country.

New tactic, surprising locations across the country

According to estimates, the blockages are not confined only to the main roads of Gush Dan, but are spread across surprising locations throughout the country. A strong hint of the new tactic appeared in an internal instruction sent to protesters, in which they were explicitly asked not to disrupt train traffic. The implication, according to assessments, is an intention to use the national rail network to quickly transport masses of protesters to the various protest sites around the country.

As reported by Kikar HaShabbat, Jerusalem Faction activists promised "surprises" and have for now kept the blockage locations completely secret, in order to make it harder for police to prepare.

Recommendation to drivers: avoid the area

As of now, police are working to restore traffic flow and say they will not allow additional blockages. However, given the intensity of the protesters and the broad deployment of police forces, the public is advised to avoid reaching the area and to follow changes in traffic arrangements through the various reporting outlets.

It should be noted that in addition to the Jerusalem Faction protests, several other major events are expected this evening, which according to estimates will also cause disruptions in the central area. Further updates to follow.